Dewhurst Stakes

The Dewhurst Stakes has often decided the leading juvenile colt of the season, and this weekend will see a mouthwatering, heavyweight clash between Ballydoyle and Godolphin, as unbeaten The Lion In Winter will take on Middle Park winner Shadow Of Light, who was supplemented for £35,000 earlier this week. 

Six horses have now been declared for Saturday’s feature at Newmarket, so let’s take a closer look at each candidate before potentially nominating a selection as to who I think may emerge as the winner. Thanks for reading in advance!

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Dewhurst Stakes Runners Guide

Ancient Truth

  • Trainer: Charlie Appleby 
  • Form: 111
  • Odds: 4/1

 

This son of Dubawi is unbeaten in three starts and was most impressive when taking the rise in grade last time out in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

That form has been strongly advertised since, with the runner-up (Seagulls Eleven) subsequently placing in the National Stakes and the third (Wimbledon Hawkeye) last seen winning the Royal Lodge Stakes.

With successful form to his name and being unbeaten in all three starts at Newmarket across both tracks, he’s a serious contender.

Expanded

  • Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
  • Form: 1
  • Odds: 33/1

 

Impressed when scoring on debut at the Curragh and remains completely unexposed. Even though he would need a monumental career-best on just his second career start, he’s a very interesting potential runner this weekend.

Also entered in the Futurity Stakes later this month, it remains to be seen if he’s saved for that contest or goes for this one.

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Rock Of Cashel

  • Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
  • Form: 8146
  • Odds: 66/1

 

A winner on his second career start at Galway, but that form is well short of the requirement for Group 3 races, let alone a race of this magnitude.

He shaped quite well when sixth in the National Stakes last time out but is more than likely going to be outclassed. More than likely the pace angle for his stronger stablemate.

Seagulls Eleven 

  • Trainer: Hugo Palmer
  • Form: 2123
  • Odds: 14/1

 

The son of Galileo Gold was last seen running a blinder to finish third behind Scorthy Champ in the National Stakes and should have plenty more to come.

His previous second to Ancient Truth in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket also reads well, despite needing more to reverse that form with the winner. He has a very solid each-way chance. 

Shadow Of Light

  • Trainer: Charlie Appleby
  • Form: 1121
  • Odds: 3/1

 

A winner of three of his four starts, he was last seen beating Whistlejacket by four lengths in the Middle Park Stakes. It was reported that he was going to be put away for the season.

However, connections have had second thoughts and decided to supplement him for £35,000. With Group 1 winning form in the book, he’s undoubtedly one of the key players.

The Lion In Winter

  • Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
  • Form: 11
  • Odds: 1/1

 

The unbeaten son of Sea The Stars has been favourite since winning the Acomb Stakes at York, a piece of form that has worked out well, with the runner-up Wimbledon Hawkeye subsequently taking the Royal Lodge Stakes.

That is good form in the context of this contest, but I do suspect a new personal best will be needed if he’s to beat this field.

When comparing him to the Godolphin duo, his lack of course-form is a niggle, but he is clearly top-class and worthy of respect.

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Dewhurst Stakes Odds

Horse Best Odds Implied Probability
The Lion In Winter 5/4 44%
Shadow Of Light 5/2 29%
Ancient Truth 10/3 23%
Camille Pissarro 12/1 7.7%
Seagulls Eleven 12/1 7.7%
Expanded 20/1 4.8%

 

Dewhurst Stakes Tips

All of the first three in the betting have excellent claims, with ANCIENT TRUTH (tipped at 10/3) getting my top vote. Despite looking quite raw and far from the finished article last time out, he had far too many gears for the likes of Seagulls Eleven and Wimbledon Hawkeye. This has been the target since, and, with more to come, I’m quite confident he will go close.

Ancient Truth, 2pts WIN, 10/3